Tag: testing

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve read many reports lately having to do with Toyota’s FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn’t forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door – it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the “Toyobaru” to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru’s version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand’s image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that’s the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it’s also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru’s version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what’s to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 RWD Coupe

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata i40 wagon spy shots

2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s no secret that we Autobloggers are big fans of wagons. Unfortunately, the market here in the United States isn’t as wagon-friendly as those in other corners of the world, and because of this, there are very few examples to choose from – most automakers would rather introduce crossovers, as it’s a significantly bigger (and growing) market.

With that in mind, it’s unlikely that we’ll get a version of this five-door Hyundai Sonata (which will be dubbed “i40” in other markets), though the automaker hasn’t officially given America the red light just yet. Aside from the cargolicious rear end, the Sonata wagon caught by the spy shooters at CarPix employs a different chrome treatment at the base of the A-pillar, and we can see that a slightly different front fascia has been adapted. In keeping with the Sonata’s sleek design, Hyundai has opted for a more rakish hatch assembly.

While you wait for Hyundai to take the wraps off this load lugger, scroll through the gallery below to see the prototype out on the street.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Wagon (i40)

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Three-seat Ferrari F1 car testing at Fiorano

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Specialty

Ferrari’s Marlboro Red Rush – Click above for high-res image gallery

Here’s a Ferrari unlike any you’ve ever seen, and that includes the amusement park rides. The Prancing Horse’s three-seater Formula 1 demonstrator, called the Marlboro Red Rush, was doing laps in the rain at Fiorano with either testing dummies or two tiny passengers. We’ve seen plenty of two-seater F1 cars, but this is the first we’ve heard of a factory-built three-seat joyrider and from the most unlikely source. We’d still like to know, though, how to get in? Oh, and “shotgun…”

UPDATE: Turns out this guy has been around for years and is a part of the Marlboro Red Racing School, and as one would expect of any Ferrari it sounds like a lot o’ fun… Hat tip to Jim

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 3-Seat F1 car

Spy Shots: Three-seat Ferrari F1 car testing at Fiorano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 caught testing

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Ferrari, Luxury

Details may have finally surfaced on the mystery Ferrari we saw bumping around Maranello in a piece of shaky-hand-cam YouTube action late last month.

According to Auto Express, the long-nosed Horse could be none other than the 612 Scaglietti. The site points to the camo’d mule’s rear roofline and somewhat recognizable hood as evidence of the car’s identity. If true, this mule would have us believe that the next Scag will wear headlights that are at least partially inspired by the new 458 Italia. As for the rest of the car, it’s hard guessing as to what we can expect.

This tester wears such extensive cladding that it’s nearly impossible to get a feel for what the rest of the car may look like, which means we’ll have to wait until our army of spy photographers comes up with some photos of the car later in its development. Head over to Auto Express to get a look a look at the whole package.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA to update 5-star testing process

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Crash Testing – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is set to debut a new testing procedure for the 2011 model year that will make it more difficult for new cars and trucks to earn the government agency’s coveted five-star safety rating. Just as interestingly, the recent influx of electronic safety gadgets, such as lane departure and collision warning, will be included in the testing regiment as well.

NHTSA will calculate one simple-to-understand grade for each vehicle based on how it manages to perform throughout the agency’s testing. While the revised parameters promise to make safety-minded comparison shopping between new automobiles a bit easier, it also means that pre-2011 ratings will not be directly comparable to the new ones.

A total of 55 new 2011 cars, trucks and minivans (including the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze seen above undergoing GM’s internal safety testing) will be tested by NHTSA with the new procedures, and the list is made up of both brand new models and some of the more popular nameplates Americans seem most likely to purchase in large numbers next year. You can check out NHTSA’s official release and the initial list of what cars will be subjected to this new testing regime after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Crash Testing

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

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NHTSA to update 5-star testing process originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche testing three electric Boxsters in 2011

Filed under: Convertible, Porsche, Electric

2010 Porsche Boxster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has been ramping up its vehicle electrification program, ranging from the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder concept and the 911 GT3R Hybrid racer to the new Cayenne hybrid that recently went into production. The latest addition to the electric drive program is a trio of experimental Boxsters that are powered purely by electrons.

Porsche has yet to reveal any technical details about the three drop-top EVs, but they will be used to test the drivetrain systems as well as infrastructure needs. Porsche has indicated that it’s interested in a production version of the 918 Spyder and is likely using these Boxsters to evaluate the battery systems, along with the motors and power electronics. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

[Source: Porsche]

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Porsche testing three electric Boxsters in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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